It has took them nearly 32 overs but England finally move in to the lead on 67-2. The most telling part is that Pietersen and Cook remain in partnership after those two early wickets. They have passed the 50 stand and will hope to bat long during the middle of the test when the pitch is likely to be a batsmen’s paradise.

With a day that has had it all: innovative crowd chants, a debutant No.11 scoring 98 and another eight wickets, it is almost a shame to see it come to an end. However, just 15 overs remain in this action-packed day and England still find themselves narrowly behind. They trail by eight with the patient knocks of Cook and Pietersen reaching 24 and 25 respectively.

A summer spent outside is commonly complimented by a glass of wine in hand and nothing has changed in that sense here at Trent Bridge. Laithwaite’s Wine Stand Manager, Andy understands this more than most and explains the interesting differences in the taste palates of the fans.

During a Test which is proving difficult to find anyone prepared to surpass the century mark it seems necessary to make a noise about those who have hit big and played hard at the Trent Bridge crease. Here we reveal the top 5 biggest scoring players over the past 100 years:

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Sam Sheringham BBC Sport
“There are flags flying in various corners of a sun-drenched Trent Bridge and they are all Australian. Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson have been bowling much more consistently than the first innings, building pressure by starving England of scoring shots. Wickets in successive balls brought Starc the ultimate reward, meaning for the third time in this barely believable Test match, we will have a hat-trick ball. Kevin Pietersen will be the man to face it. My, oh my.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/23261769

Jonathan Agnew TMS
“Are we dreaming all this? It’s been absolutely incredible. One of the most topsy-turvy days in cricket I can remember.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/23261769

David Lloyd via Twitter

“Well played Ashton Agar … lead is 65″ @BumbleCricket

Flags are waving, beach balls are bouncing yet the runs don’t seem to be flowing with the atmosphere of the crowd. Both Cook and Pietersen have moved on to 20, the score to 48 and the defecit down to 17.

Who could forget the astounding performance made by Ian Botham at Headingley in 1981? The heroics of a man humbled by previous defeat ensured that that year’s Test victory will forever be known as Botham’s Ashes.

The performance was one of a quintessentially brilliant all-rounder. “Beefy”, as he was commonly known, claimed six wickets in one innings and hit 149 in another to seal a famous win for England.

Such brilliance wasn’t on the cards from the off however as the visitors seemed to be on the verge of a 2-0 test lead with four days left on the cards. Yet it was down to a gung-ho Botham who’s unbelievable resilience and offensive mindset helped to spur Bob Willis to sweep through the Aussie line-up with 8-43.

The turn of events sealed a remarkable 18-run win and signalled a turn around in a series that saw England go on to win 3-1.

Such an iconic player as Ian Botham should be looked upon in awe and used by the English cricketers to gain a foothold on this Ashes Test of 2013 and push for glory. Maybe Botham’s vigour runs in the blood of Broad or Swann? One thing is for sure, if Australia keep on bringing surprises to the table the presence of Botham’s spirit and patriotism may well be needed.